Uchiha Puppet Master, Starting from One Piece.

Over the next few days, the giant rubber ducks became the guides for everyone.

They seem to know the desert terrain like the back of their hand, always finding the safest and flattest routes, avoiding hidden quicksand and unknown dangers.

During the day, when traveling, the lead yellow duck will send out two small teams to explore ahead. If they find anything unusual, they will immediately return to report. Their actions are swift and orderly.

During rest periods, the little yellow ducks will neatly gather around the campsite, some on guard, while others take out stored food and water from their backpacks and eat quietly, never disturbing anyone.

Unohana Retsu often observed the group of giant rubber ducks, watching their neat formations, clear division of labor, and mutual cover when encountering danger, and couldn't help but nod in approval.

"These giant rubber ducks are quite well-organized."

She said to Robin beside her, "Their teamwork and discipline are comparable to those of well-trained soldiers; they are far from ordinary wild animals."

Robin nodded in agreement: "The Alabasta desert does indeed hold many secrets. These giant rubber ducks may be descendants of an ancient tribe, inheriting unique ways of life and rules."

Connor became friends with the giant rubber ducks, following the lead duck around every day and sharing her candy and pastries.

The giant rubber ducks also adored this cute little girl, often taking out sparkling pebbles from their backpacks to give her. Those pebbles shimmered with iridescent colors in the sunlight, like treasures in the desert.

Rangiku looked at this harmonious scene and couldn't help but laugh, "With these little guys leading the way, this desert trip is going much more smoothly than I expected."

"This is a Super Spot-billed Duck, it runs incredibly fast, it's definitely a very interesting species."

"A super spotted-billed duck? Wow, the world is really big."

And so, escorted by the little yellow duck troops, the group traveled smoothly without any obstacles.

A few days later, when a green outline and towering city walls appeared on the distant horizon, everyone knew that they had finally left the vast desert and were about to reach Albania, the capital of Alabasta.

The Super Spot-billed Duck army took everyone to an oasis on the edge of the desert and then stopped.

The lead yellow duck turned around and lined up neatly again in front of Bai Yu and his group. It raised its neck and let out a long and solemn quack. Then, all the yellow ducks straightened their necks at the same time, folded their wings to their sides, and bowed their heads deeply to the group, making a standard salute. Their movements were uniform, their eyes sincere, and full of respect.

Seeing this, everyone smiled knowingly.

Retsu Unohana nodded slightly and gave the Super Spot-billed Ducks a gentle smile: "What an interesting and respectable bunch of little guys."

"Thank you so much. With you all, things have really been much easier."

Following the white feathers, some food and water were placed into the backpacks of the Super Spot-billed Ducks.

The lead Super Spot-billed Duck raised its head, quacked a few times at the group as if saying goodbye, and then led the flock to turn around in unison and run into the depths of the desert, quickly disappearing into the silhouette of the dunes.

"They really do run fast."

Rangiku Matsumoto sighed as she watched the Super Spotted Duck speed away.

Chapter 104 Cobra and the Poneglyphs

Albania's city gates are built of warm yellow sandstone, carved with reliefs of lotus blossoms and desert eagles. The wind whistles through the gaps in the gates, carrying the soft sound of sand, but it cannot conceal the vibrant atmosphere inside the city.

The moment Bai Yu and his group stepped through the city gate, they were amazed by the scene before them. Under their feet was a smooth stone-paved road, and beside the road was a stream of fresh water drawn from the oasis outside the city. The clear water flowed and tinkled in the stone channel, nourishing the bougainvillea bushes along the channel. The crimson petals contrasted with the yellow sand-colored houses, creating a vibrant yet gentle color scheme.

The market on the street was bustling but not chaotic. Vendors wearing plain headscarves and loose robes set up their stalls, with agate, turquoise, dried dates and hand-woven felt scattered around. Children chased each other with pottery jars in their hands, and the clear spring water in the jars shimmered with tiny spots of light. Even the vendors' calls had a unique desert cheerfulness.

Rangiku picked up a honey-coated date with her fingertips and took a bite, her eyebrows curving into a smile: "I never imagined that the capital of Alabasta would be built deep in the desert, and such a lively place at that, much more vibrant than I imagined."

Connor was drawn to the old sugar sculptor on the street. She took small steps over and stared at the sugar spoon flying in the sculptor's hands. As the golden sugar syrup solidified into the shapes of a desert lizard and an eagle, her eyes shone like stars.

Bai Yu followed beside her, paid for her Berries, took the Sugar Eagle and handed it to her, wiping the sugar frosting off her lips with his fingertips. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Robin standing in front of a carved stone window, looking at the portrait of the king hanging inside.

It's hard to imagine that citizens would actually place a portrait of their king in their homes.

In the portrait, Cobra is dressed in a white robe embroidered with gold thread. His eyes and brows exude a gentle yet dignified air, and his gaze is fixed straight ahead, as if he can see into the hearts of every citizen.

"Unbelievable! Could such a wise and virtuous ruler really exist in this world?"

Robin shook his head, somewhat speechless. So many countries, yet only one monarch had emerged. Was it tragic or fortunate?

“By looking at the planning of the streets and alleys, the diversion of flowing water, and the order of the market, one can tell that the leaders are meticulous and truly care about people’s livelihood.”

"In a desert country, water is the lifeblood. To be able to bring water to every street and alley in the city, and even nourish flowers and plants, shows a courage and benevolence that no mediocre ruler can match."

Retsu Unohana walked slowly towards them, still wearing a plain white haori with pale pink cherry blossoms embroidered on the cuffs, which unexpectedly blended with the colors of Albana.

She had just passed by a clinic and saw the doctor inside providing free medicine to the poor. The young apprentice was carrying medicine pots and running around, and there was no embarrassment in his eyes, only calmness: "The people's expressions do not lie. There is no fear in their eyes and they act with composure. This is the best evaluation of the rulers."

The group found an inn next to an irrigation canal to rest. The innkeeper, a burly man with a thick beard, brought them chilled coconut juice and roasted desert lamb that was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. He smiled and said, "It's all thanks to His Majesty the King. In previous years, there were many sandstorms and the waterways were in disarray. His Majesty personally led his ministers to search the desert and found a new oasis. He built an irrigation canal, and our lives have finally improved."

After resting, Bai Yu asked the innkeeper to convey his wish to see the king. The name cards he presented only listed a few names, but did not mention their identities.

When the news reached the palace, Cobra was sitting in the council chamber, looking at the report on people's livelihood in his hand. When he heard that a stranger was requesting an audience, and that one of them was none other than Nico Robin, the "Devil's Child" wanted by the World Government, he put down his pen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but no anger, only great curiosity.

Icarum, a trusted guard of the Alabasta Kingdom, looked anxious: "Your Majesty, Nico Robin is a wanted criminal by the World Government. If we meet with her, we might offend the World Government..."

Cobra raised his eyes, his gaze calm yet firm: "The World Government's arrest warrant is not necessarily fair. Alba is an independent country. As its king, I have the right to decide who to see and who not to see. Besides, a wanted criminal who dares to openly seek an audience in Alba is more honest than a cowardly schemer hiding his face."

He paused, then looked at the guards who had delivered the order: "Please have them come to the Qingxin Hall in the palace to see me. There's no need to set up any defenses; just treat them normally."

The Qingxin Hall is located on the west side of the palace, next to a water lily pond. The pond water relieves the heat of the desert. Inside the hall, there are sandalwood tables and chairs, soft woolen carpets, and a faint minty scent in the air.

When Bai Yu and his group arrived, Cobra was already waiting in casual clothes. He was forty years old, and the excessive fatigue had turned his temples a little gray, but he was upright and had a gentle look in his eyes. When he swept over everyone, he lingered on Robin for a moment, but there was nothing unusual about it. He simply raised his hand and gestured for them to enter: "You have come from afar, so please don't be so formal."

Robin took his seat first, his fingertips lightly resting on the edge of the table, and met Cobra's gaze frankly: "Your Majesty must know my identity. I have taken the liberty of seeking an audience here. Firstly, I have my own selfish reasons, and secondly, I was passing through Albana and saw the peaceful and prosperous life of the people here. I was filled with admiration and came here to pay my respects."

Upon hearing this, Cobra laughed heartily and gestured for Icarus to pour everyone a glass of chilled mint tea: "I've long heard of Nico Robin's reputation. The World Government calls you the Devil's Child, but to me, Ohara... well, never mind. Besides, Albana never defines a person by the World Government's standards."

He took a sip of tea, his gaze sweeping over Bai Yu with a hint of inquiry in his eyes: "This gentleman has quite an air about him. I suppose he is the leader of your group? I wonder if you have any other purpose in coming here besides paying your respects?"

Bai Yu picked up his teacup, his gaze calm: "Your Majesty, we are merely passing through Alabasta on our way to the New World. Seeing how prosperous Albana has become in the desert, with its people living in peace and contentment, we know that Your Majesty is a rare and wise ruler. Our meeting is firstly to express our admiration, and secondly to use Albana's territory for a short rest. After recuperating, we will set off immediately and will not trouble you for too long. Of course, there is a third reason."

The probing look in Cobra's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a hint of appreciation: "The journey on the Grand Line is fraught with danger, and it is rare to see such courage from you all. Although Albana is just a desert country, we are willing to provide convenience for guests who have traveled from afar. You are welcome to rest here. If you need anything, just ask. Of course, what is the last question?"

Bai Yu smiled and said, "Robin is a scholar from Ohara, and Alabasta has a historical text that records important information. We need to decipher it."

Bai Yu's words startled Cobra and Icarum. They were also very interested in the historical texts passed down through generations of the nation, but they couldn't read ancient scripts…

But Cobra was different. Although he couldn't read the Poneglyphs, he knew the script passed down through generations. Their Poneglyphs should record the locations of ancient weapons...

"I see..."

Cobra looked at the group of people in front of him and fell into deep thought.

Cobra's fingertips gently caressed the edge of the sandalwood table, and the minty scent in the hall seemed to become heavier.

He lowered his eyes in deep thought, his gaze falling on the shimmering reflection in the cup, his mind racing with various considerations. Ikaram stood to the side, his brow furrowed, his lips moving slightly, but ultimately he refrained from offering any further advice. He knew the king's temperament; once he fell into deep thought, he was weighing all the pros and cons, and any further words at this moment would only disrupt his decision.

Chapter 105 Pluto, the King of the Underworld

Cobra's first thought was of how Bai Yu and his group looked when they first entered Alba.

Bai Yu is calm and reserved, with an air of composure in every gesture, yet he also possesses a gentleness that is not easily noticed; Robin, despite bearing the title of the son of a demon, is always composed and open-minded, and the hidden pain in his eyes and his obsession with history when he mentions Ohara are not something that a schemer can fake.

The woman named Rangiku was carefree and cheerful, sitting on a stool and biting into a date without any sense of caution. Kanna was innocent and naive, with only snacks and novelties in her eyes, pure and untouched by worldly dust.

As for Retsu Unohana, she seemed gentle and modest. These details flashed through his mind one by one. She was completely different from the label of a dangerous person. Instead, she seemed more like a group of travelers with sincere hearts and their own principles.

He then thought of his country's situation. Alabasta was located in the desert. Although it had gained stability through irrigation canals and new oases, it was still not well received by the World Government, despite being a member state of the World Government.

Bai Yu and his group dared to openly request an audience and frankly share the historical text. This openness is far more reassuring than those world government officials who, under the guise of justice, interfere and demand celestial gold.

Refusing would temporarily avoid the risk of offending the World Government, but it might also mean losing a potential trust. Moreover, he himself harbored an unspeakable curiosity about the history passed down through generations of nations, especially about where Queen Lily had gone.

More importantly, he saw certainty and restraint in Bai Yu's eyes, and felt a pure reverence for history rather than a covetousness for power in Robin's words.

As king, what he feared most was not the status of a wanted criminal, but the attempt by someone to exploit history to endanger the peace of Alabasta.

If Bai Yu and his group truly coveted power, they could have sought it secretly instead of openly requesting an audience.

If Nico Robin only wanted to use the Poneglyphs to achieve her evil goals, she wouldn't have shown genuine respect when discussing people's livelihoods.

After a long while, Cobra slowly raised his eyes, the hesitation in them had completely disappeared, leaving only a gentle firmness.

He looked at Bai Yu and said in a steady tone, "Mr. Bai Yu, Ms. Robin, I have pondered for a long time. The Poneglyphs are the heirlooms of Alabasta, carrying our country's past and hiding unknown secrets. To be honest, we have protected those ancient texts for generations, but we have never been able to fully decipher them, and we have regrets in our hearts."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and continued, "The reason I agreed to take you there is not because I disregard the World Government's attitude, but because I trust my judgment. You are not evil people who covet power. Mr. Shiraha and Ms. Robin's honesty, and your concern for the people's livelihood, all make me willing to give you this trust. But I have one request: during the interpretation process, if it involves Alabasta's core secrets, please keep it confidential. Also, whatever is recorded on the stone tablet, please do not use it for anything that endangers peace."

A barely perceptible glint flashed in Robin's eyes. He rose and nodded slightly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, my obsession with the Poneglyphs is solely to uncover the truth of the Void Century. I have no desire for any power, nor will I do anything to harm Alabasta."

Bai Yu nodded in agreement: "We understand Your Majesty's concerns. We promise that we will never reveal Alabasta's secrets, nor will we use any historical secrets to incite conflict."

Upon hearing this, Cobra laughed heartily, his tense expression completely relaxing: "Alright, it's a deal! Icarum, step aside first. I'll lead everyone to the Royal Chamber, where the Poneglyphs are hidden."

Although Icarum still had concerns, seeing that the king had made a decision and that Bai Yu and his group indeed had no obvious malice, he bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

The royal secret chamber is located in the deepest underground palace of the royal palace. It is built of thick sandstone, and flames have been rekindled on both sides of the passage. The flickering firelight makes the ancient murals on the walls even more mysterious.

The murals depict scenes of life of the desert's early inhabitants, including the hardships of digging canals to bring water, the joy of celebrating a bountiful harvest, and the solemn vows of the royal family to protect the stone tablet.

At the end of the passage, a stone gate carved with lotus and eagle reliefs stands before you, echoing the reliefs on the Albanian city gate, only appearing more ancient and imposing.

In the center of the secret chamber, a huge stone tablet stood silently, its surface covered with dense ancient characters, which were the very historical text that everyone was looking for.

The characters are twisted and intertwined, seemingly chaotic, yet they exude a solemnity and weight from ancient times. The stone tablet gleams with a faint stone luster, still steadfastly fulfilling its mission of bearing history.

Robin strode forward, his gaze fixed on the words on the stone tablet, his eyes filled with excitement.

She reached out and gently brushed her hand across the cold, etched marks.

She deciphered the text word by word, softly reciting the ancient characters. Though her voice was soft, it clearly echoed throughout the secret chamber: "This records the whereabouts of the ancient weapon Pluton... Pluton, slumbering beneath the land of Wano Country, is a warship with world-destroying power, capable of easily overturning the entire world..."

"Pluto?"

However, Kobra simply stared calmly at the stone tablet, his face showing no emotion.

He gently shook his head, his tone calm: "World-destroying power? It means nothing to me. What the people of Alabasta need is not hegemony, not conquest, but a stable life, a sufficient water source, the lively atmosphere of the market, and sweet candy in the hands of children. No matter how strong Hades' power is, it cannot bring the bougainvillea by the canal to bloom year after year, nor can it bring the people peace and stability."

As the King of Alabasta, his lifelong desire was nothing more than to protect the people of this desert land, shielding them from sandstorms and the ravages of war. The ambition to conquer other lands never took root in his heart; the desire for hegemony was far less appealing than a bowl of chilled coconut juice.

Robin has now deciphered the scattered records related to the Void Century. Although he has not obtained the complete truth, he has gained new clues.

She raised her head, her eyes showing no concern for Hades' whereabouts: "What I'm looking for has never been some ancient weapon. What really happened during the Void Century, and why the World Government deliberately covered up the truth, is what I want to know. Hades' power is nothing to me."

Bai Yu, out of curiosity, stepped forward to take a look and listened to the explanation. He then smiled faintly and said, "Hades? It sounds powerful, but in my opinion, it's not as powerful as Kanna when she goes all out."

As soon as she finished speaking, Kanna, who was biting into the remaining candy eagle in her hand, looked up at her, her little face full of seriousness, and swung her short legs: "Kanna's lightning can destroy everything." As she spoke, she subconsciously puffed out her cheeks, as if she was about to unleash lightning at any moment.

Kobra was taken aback by what he heard, then laughed, taking Bai Yu's words as a joke to reassure him.

He shook his head, the last trace of worry in his eyes completely disappearing: "Mr. Bai Yu is quite the joker. However, hearing that you all have no interest in Hades, I am completely relieved. I was worried before that you would eventually covet this power and go to Wano Country to stir up trouble, but now it seems that I was overthinking it."

Chapter 106 Princess Vivi